Atascocita Forest - July 2017 by Peel, Inc.

THE

ATASCOCITA FOREST

VOL 1 ISSUE 6 | JULY 2017

ATASCOCITA FOREST COMMUNIT Y GA ZE T TE

THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ATASCOCITA FOREST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Fireworks in Atascocita Forest July 4th is right around the corner, and with it come the brilliant fireworks displays of people celebrating our nation’s birth. As our subdivision is located outside city limits in unincorporated Harris County, using fireworks in the neighborhood and surrounding area is permitted. We hope that everyone has a blast, and we would like to take this opportunity to offer a few guidelines and safety tips regarding fireworks so that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe holiday. BEFORE YOU SHOOT • Only purchase fireworks designated for consumer use from reliable fireworks sellers. Fireworks in unmarked, brown paper wrappings are intended for professional fireworks displays and are not approved for consumer purchase or use. • Never experiment or try to make your own fireworks. • If you buy fireworks several days in advance of July 4th, store your fireworks in a cool, dry place. • Discuss fireworks safety and rules with your children. • Speak to your neighbors about your plans to shoot fireworks. Please be considerate of your neighbors; they may have small children or pets who will be frightened by the noise. Let them know when, where, and for how long you are planning to shoot. • Also, as you celebrate, please be considerate of the combat veterans in the neighborhood; let them know that you are planning to shoot, as unexpected loud bangs can trigger anxiety and PTSD symptoms. GETTING READY TO SHOOT • Find an outdoor location with a smooth, flat surface free of dry leaves or grass, away from any buildings, houses, vehicles, or trees. NEVER ignite fireworks inside a home or vehicle. • Be sure you have easy access to a fire extinguisher or water in case of a malfunction or fire. Have your hose turned on and ready to use or have several buckets or containers of water handy. • Have an empty bucket or trashcan handy to dispose of spent or malfunctioned fireworks. You can add an inch or so of water to the container to prevent a fire from residual heat or malfunctioned fireworks. • Please be considerate of people driving through the neighborhood and refrain from shooting fireworks from the middle of the street. • If you have pets, ensure they are contained securely; animals can be frightened by the sound of fireworks and can escape easily and become lost if not properly secured. Ideally, pets should be contained in a kennel or in a secure room in your home. Make sure your pets are Copyright © 2017 Peel, Inc.

wearing collars with current identification and contact information, or that they are microchipped. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SHOOT • NEVER allow children to play with or ignite fireworks without adequate adult supervision • Always read and follow the directions and warnings on the firework’s label. • Ensure that other people are safely out of range before lighting fireworks • Light only one firework at a time • NEVER try to re-light fireworks that have been lit but have not fired. If the firework does not function within 1 minute, douse it with water and wait another minute before putting it in a bucket or trash can. • NEVER give lit fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns • NEVER throw fireworks at another person, vehicle, or animal • Store unused fireworks in a non-flammable container. Do not keep fireworks in your pocket. • Dispose of spent fireworks properly. When you are finished shooting, please be considerate of the community and clean up after yourself; do not leave spent fireworks laying in the street or on sidewalks. • While there is not a noise ordinance in unincorporated Harris County, please be aware that July 4th falls on a week day; finish your shooting at a reasonable hour in consideration of your neighbors who may need to wake up early to go to work. HARRIS COUNTY FIREWORKS REGULATIONS A person may NOT: • Explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization. • Explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed. • Explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold • Ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle • Place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle (Continued on Page 2) Atascocita Forest - July 2017

ATASCOCITA FOREST IMPORTANT NUMBERS EMERGENCY NUMBERS EMERGENCY.................................................................911 Harris County Animal Control........................ 281-999-3191 Poison Control................................................. 800-222-1222 NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS Pct 4 Constable Non-Emergency Dispatch...... 281-376-3472 Atascocita Volunteer Fire Dept......................... 281-852-2181 Harris County Precinct 4................................. 281-376-3472 Texas No Call List Registration................... 866-TXN-OCAL Emergency Roadside Assistance........................ 800-525-5555 SCHOOLS Humble ISD.................................................... 281-540-1775 Whispering Pines Elementary........................... 281-641-2500 Humble Middle School.................................... 281-641-2500 Humble High School....................................... 281-641-6300 UTILITY NUMBERS Report Power Outage - Centerpoint................. 713-207-7777 Report Street Light Outage - Centerpoint........ 713-207-2222 Report Gas Leak - Centerpoint........................ 713-659-2111 Centerpoint (Gas)............................................ 713-659-2111 Call Before You Dig..........................................................811 Water - SiEnvironmental.................................. 832-490-1600 Emergency Number...................................... 832-490-1601 Electricity - Multiple Providers..........www.powertochoose.org Trash - RR&R of Texas.................................... 866-516-9805 MUD District ......................www.TrailoftheLakesMUD.com

(Continued from the Cover) • Use fireworks, pyrotechnics, or flame effects inside any building without a permit from the County Fire Marshal. TIPS FOR THOSE NOT SHOOTING FIREWORKS: • If you have small children, talk to them about fireworks and explain the loud bangs and noises they can expect to hear throughout the night. • Contain your pets securely. Animals can be frightened by the noise of fireworks and can jump over or dig under fence enclosures to escape. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current identification and contact information, or that he or she is microchipped. • There is not a noise ordinance in unincorporated Harris County; however, if a neighbor is shooting fireworks at a very late hour, you are welcome to call the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable and they will respond. Please note that the constable will need a fairly accurate address or location to which to respond.

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS RAINCO IRRIGATION SPECIALIST: Commercial & Residential. Backflow Testing, Irrigation (Sprinkler) System Service, Maintenance and Repair, Rainbird - Hunter. Fully Insured. License # 9004 & 9226. Call 713-824-5327.

PUBLIC SERVICES Humble Post Office.......................................... 281-540-1775 DPS Office....................................................... 281-446-3391 Harris County Clerk (Will Clayton Pkwy.)...... 281-540-1173 NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT Community Asset Management.............................................. www.CommunityAssetManagement.com Pam Valentine...................................pvalentine@cam-texas.com ATASCOCITA FOREST COMMUNITY ASSOC. Email the Board............................ board@atascocitaforest.org Website Questions/Problems....... website@atascocitaforest.org Newsletter questions................newsletter@atascocitaforest.org HOA BOARD MEMBERS Bill Wisenbaker - President.............billw@atascocitaforest.org Norman Laskie - Vice President.....norman@atascocitaforest.org Troy King - Treasurer........................ troy@atascocitaforest.org Lauren Shwarts - Secretary............lauren@atascocitaforest.org

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Atascocita Forest - July 2017

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Atascocita Forest - July 2017

ATASCOCITA FOREST

Hurricane Readiness in Northeast Houston Does your family have a plan in case a hurricane strikes the Houston / Galveston area again? Most of us will recall the recent memory of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike and the devastation they caused. It’s easy to feel like we are relatively safe from the danger hurricanes pose, but flooding, extended power loss, and downed trees from high winds are significant concerns in our neighborhood specifically. As with every hurricane season, it’s impossible to accurately predict how many (if any) storms we will experience, or how severe they will be, but it’s important to be prepared and have a hurricane readiness plan in place, just in case. The National Weather Service publishes a Houston / Galveston Hurricane Guide to provide information and planning tips to residents in the greater Houston area. This guide in its entirety is available on the AtascocitaForest.org website. What is a Hurricane? A hurricane is an intense tropical cyclone weather system with sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher. Hurricanes are categorized based on wind speed and range from Category 1 (winds 74-95 MPH) to Category 5 (winds 157 MPH or greater). It’s important to remember that even “low” category hurricanes can be devastating and very dangerous. Extensive rainfall and storm surge flooding, coupled with the wind and associated damage, poses a tremendous risk for Houston area residents.

Atascocita Forest - July 2017

What is the flooding risk in Atascocita Forest? As is shown on the storm surge map on page 5 of the Hurricane Guide, Atascocita is outside of the high-risk area for storm surge flooding, but due to the bodies of water that are nearby, flooding in our area due to extensive rain from a Hurricane is very likely. As the Guide explains, “[s]torms with a slow forward motion are the most dangerous as heavy rains persist for a longer period of time. Tropical Storm Allison…meandered across Southeast Texas for several days in early June 2001, dumping 35-40 inches of rainfall in some areas,” resulting in devastating flooding. Twenty out of the 23 people who died in Allison drowned while driving or walking through flood waters. How to Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Flooding: • Secure valuables and emergency supplies in plastic tubs with locking tops. In case of evacuation, you should be able to secure and move these valuables and supplies within 15 minutes. • Buy flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available from an insurance agent or the NFIP. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy goes into effect, so don’t wait to buy this coverage. • Flood-proof your Home to minimize damage: Shut off (Continued on Page 5)

ATASCOCITA FOREST (Continued from Page 4) the main circuit breaker to prevent short circuiting and eliminate the threat of electrocution. Consider elevating your outside air conditioning unit onto a platform above ground level. Store important or valuable items in the attic or on high shelves. • Develop a Family Flood Plan: Have an action plan in place and discuss it with all members of your household to keep from panicking during an emergency. Have an evacuation route and alternatives planned in case you are asked or required to evacuate. Determine a meet-up location in a safe location in case members of your family are separated before, during, or after an evacuation. • Never Drive on Flooded Roads: This puts your life and the life of others at risk. If you encounter flood waters while driving, TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Wind Risks and Tornadoes In addition to heavy rain and flooding, wind damage and danger is a major concern in our area specifically during a hurricane. Because we have so many large, mature trees in our neighborhood, downed trees are a serious concern. In addition to wind caused by the hurricane itself, be aware that tropical cyclones are capable of producing tornadoes, which often occur in thunderstorms in the rain bands, which may be a considerable distance from the Hurricane. Note that tornadoes spawned by hurricanes are usually fairly weak and short-lived, but they do pose a significant risk.

Working Together as Neighbors During a Storm It is vital that each household have supplies and a plan in place to ensure your safety during a storm, but it is also important that as a community we plan to help our neighbors as needed. If you don’t already, get to know your immediate and surrounding neighbors and discuss your hurricane safety plans. One or more of your neighbors may have special medical, functional, or access needs, such as impaired vision, hearing loss, or limited mobility. “It is important to make sure there is a support structure in place to help that person respond to a hurricane threat.” The website www. togetheragainsttheweather.com provides information and resources for helping those who may need some extra assistance during a storm. Don’t Forget about Pets! Your pets should be a part of your hurricane preparation plans. Unfortunately, many pets are left behind and suffer tremendously (or die) during a severe storm. • Have proof that your pets’ vaccinations are current • Be sure to have a current photo of your pet (Note that the NextDoor app now has a robust Pet Directory feature where residents can upload a photo of their pets and include a description and contact information) • Each animal should have a properly-sized pet carrier • Ensure your pets have proper ID collars with current (Continued on Page 6)

Selling Your Home In Atascocita Forest? Put your neighborhood Realtor Scherryl Jackson to work for you!! • The market is HOT, homes are selling at a record pace and we would be honored to sell your home. • 48 Point Marketing Strategy To Get Your Home Sold • Honest, Ethical, and Reliable Real Estate Assistance • Flexible commission plans Sales Range $250K to $300K $200K to $249K $150K to $199K $100K to $149K Less Than $100K Total Highest $/sq ft Average $/sq ft

6 Month Atascocita Forest Home Sales Report Nov.

0 1 2 6 0 9 $104.93 $88.69

Dec.

0 3 4 3 0 10 $95.43 $76.16

Jan.

0 2 2 3 0 7 $90.38 $79.14

Feb.

0 0 2 4 0 6 $95.43 $72.36

Mar.

0 3 6 0 1 5 $90.38 $63.72

Apr.

0 2 5 1 0 8 $90.38 $81.43

281-570-7609 (office) 281-817-5853 (fax) Atascocita Forest - July 2017

ATASCOCITA FOREST (Continued from Page 5) information, and/or a microchip with current information • Pack enough food and bottled water for the duration of an evacuation (if necessary). Do not let your pet eat food or drink water from outside that may have been contaminated • Be sure to pack all medications and supplies that your pet may need. Basic Hurricane Supply Kit: • At least a 7-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener. Due to potential power outage, have a selection of foods that do not require electricity or natural gas to cook. • At least a 7-day supply of water: one gallon per person per day • Battery-operated portable television or radio with extra batteries • Flashlights with extra batteries • First aid kit and manual • Sanitation and hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products • Matches / lighter in a waterproof container • Whistle • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils • Cash • Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags,

• Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards, and your latest utility bill • Digital or photocopies of important documents such as birth/marriage certificates and property titles • Adequate supply of prescription medications, eyeglasses or contacts, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries • Formula, baby food, diapers, and baby supplies • A good map showing county roads and highways • Charged power packs and extra cords for charging cell phones and other devices • Ensure your tires are in good condition and have a tire repair kit, jumper cables, a jack, and flares • White distress flag • Toys and games for children • List of family phone numbers and addresses outside the area

Get Connected with Atascocita Forest! AtascocitaForest.org (official website) FB Group: Atascocita Forest Neighbors Not officially endorsed by the AFCA HOA

Nextdoor.com: Atascocita Forest Not officially endorsed by the AFCA HOA

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Atascocita Forest - July 2017

ATASCOCITA FOREST JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH

June Yard of the Month The AFCA Board is pleased to recognize the Andersons at 3718 Beckett Ridge as the June winners of Yard of the Month! Congratulations and thank you for helping to keep our neighborhood looking beautiful! Yard of the Month runs from March – September. Residents may view a photo gallery with each month’s winner on our website: www. atascocitaforest.org > 2017 Yard of the Month.

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Atascocita Forest - July 2017